Durban is a cosmopolitan sea-side and business city that combines the perfect mix to ensure that your conference or seminar or your holiday is a pleasant and memorable experience. Varied and exotic cuisine, the beaches, uShaka Marine World, the Rickshaws, Umhlanga Rocks, adventure all combine to provide variety, excitement and sheer enjoyment when visiting this city. … And a stones-throw from the city, in the general metro region are unique and special villages and towns, each offering their own special brand of culture, shopping experiences, pristine beaches and the countryside of the Western Suburban regions. The terrain and the move from the sub-tropical city into the hinterland of the surrounding North and South Coast and the 1000 Hills region, moving into the beautiful, scenic Midlands of KwaZulu Natal and the majestic Drakensberg mountains are a reminder of the diversity of this scenic province. AND, that’s not all … Durban is the gateway to some of south Africa’s top Big 5 Game Reserves.

The balmy, sub-tropical climate on the East Coast brags perfect summer weather while the cooler weather of winter is the best, without doubt in South Africa.
Hotel accommodation Durban: From the hotels on the Golden Mile, with its associated nightlife, to the elegant guest houses and Boutique hotels found in the leafy suburbs surrounding the city, Durban sincerely has it all!

The Riverside Hotel and Spa is just one of many perfect combinations for a successful conference with time for chilling, with luxury accommodation, a relaxing pool-side and Health Spa. Situated, overlooking the Umgeni River from the hillside on which it is built, from the Riverside Hotel, guests are blessed with distant vistas of the Golden Mile and the Dolphin Coastline. Abundant bird life, prolific along the Umgeni River is a natural attraction to many who visit Durban North.
The Riverside Conference Centre is ideally situated directly opposite the front entrance to the hotel, with easy access for residential conference delegates to their rooms, the restaurant and the Spa. In a dedicated, separate building, the conference centre, with several venues is quiet, allowing conferences and seminars to run without interruption or noise, offering a result achieving atmosphere. Day delegates are assured of ample secure parking within the hotel grounds and, with the hotel being so centrally located, it allows for easy access no matter where the delegates are travelling from. 20 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport.
All conference venues are equipped with state-of-the-art conference equipment and additional requirements are available with prior notice.

ACCOMMODATION ROOMS AT THE RIVERSIDE HOTEL AND SPA : 169 BEDROOMS AND SUITES offer luxury at its best. individually appointed in unique, stylish décor. These offer all the regular comforts associated with a four star-hotel, but also include a kitchenette, complete with microwave, mini bar fridge, cutlery and crockery.

For those who do not have access to a laptop, an internet café, situated in the hotel lobby is freely available with access information available from the reception desk.
Wedding packages at the Riverside.

For the perfect, dream wedding, professional, qualified wedding coordinators at the Riverside Hotel will provide you with just the package you are looking for, to suit your budget and taste. This includes a fabulous variety of menus, varying in price.

Riverside Spa

You will lose the hard-pressed sense of time the moment you walk into the Riverside Hotel’s Health Spa. Where the basic elements of earth, water, fire, metal and wood synchronise with your surroundings. This has become an essential ‘element’ in busy conference centres, for the all-round well-being of clients in conference, to relax the mind and simply let go …

The Riverside Hotel awaits your arrival and the professional, friendly staff will be happy to welcome you with a welcome cocktail of your choice, and porter service to take care of your luggage.

Contact us at the Venue Pages for your next Durban conference or seminar and we will obtain excellent rates and packages for your event at this city hotel out of the city yet only minutes away by road.

Brought to you in the interest of efficient and professional conference planning by The Venue Pages – http://www.venuepages.co.za
Article compiled by Rosalie Howard.

For quotes and availability on this and other venues in Durban or throughout South Africa please contact us on 0861 262 262 or use the form below

Article written by Rosalie Howard at Venue Pages (www.venuepages.co.za)

THE PCO’s ROLE

Q: What is a PCO? A: A Professional Conference Organiser

Sales and Marketing … there IS a difference and they work well together

I was employed in senior management in a fine hotel for over 10 years and the area I loved most and succeeded well in was the field of Sales and Marketing which in my position included Banqueting and Conference Coordinating, every aspect of sales, promotional golf days, exhibitions, educational site inspections for PCO’s, Travel Agents …. You name it.

From this platform, due to a back injury, I changed direction and the wind blew me into the PCO industry, which until a little while before, I bore a little bit of a grudge towards. Why? Because quite frequently in my position I would find that events I had been toiling on for weeks, liaising with my client on a personal one-to-one basis suddenly became the possession of a leading local PCO ! … When I raised this matter with our Operations Manager, who doubled as our General Manager, he had quite a time persuading me to take a different stance and to look at business from another angle …. This didn’t come easily to me at first because I guarded my successes in sales very closely and to suddenly find that my Operations Manager had given my bookings away to a PCO who was going to be earning 15% commission on these was indeed a bitter pill to swallow! In retrospect, Heaven knows why I reacted thus, as I didn’t earn commission. I was paid a monthly salary! I questioned whether it was jealousy or whether I was merely doing my job in support of my hotel, hanging onto every cent I could… After I ‘got it’, I understood ;though didn’t quite accept yet, that the value of the said PCO and for that matter any PCO was much greater than I had ever given them credit for, for the client in question, a large Blue Chip company had become her ‘client’ and she was their ‘guru’. She actually had it in her power to sway her client anywhere she chose!! That’s quite something right? … She was good, she was successful and she served me, I had to concede.

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Now …. I am a PCO and have enjoyed fair success over 15 years … and I can now genuinely understand or have removed the blocks around this subject for I am on the other side now and ‘get’ just how valuable my Operations Manager’s words were at that time!

The Market Place …
Every PCO has a list, miles long of clients, either current or past and they are movers and shakers in finding future clients – they never rest … they are sales people, people! Believe it, they are! They are also marketing minded people, or they wouldn’t be in this industry. A reputable PCO will not market or sell a venue he or she does not believe will suit their client. It isn’t anyway in his or her interest to do so. We (I generalise) only promote venues we have tried and tested, who have good reputations or have been highly recommended to us and who meet expected standards. We build relationships with our clients, who come back again and again if they have received good service. We are a one-stop shop for them, their personal nanny if you like, because we relieve them of a lot of donkey work. A perfect solution for the PA or Secretary who works for 8 bosses, all of whom think his or her work is top priority. In return for their loyalty and support, we continue to offer them superb service, and I am sure I speak for most of us. It’s not an industry where one can make an easy or quick buck, take it from the horse’s mouth!! “We work hard for our money!”

Venue Support – Win-Win or Win-Lose?.
Just as the PCO’s serves their clients, they serve the venue as well. How?, you might ask – because, to ensure the success of the event, to ensure the satisfaction of our clients, we fully coordinate every detail from enquiry stage, to departure from the venue, making sure that every t is crossed, that every i is dotted. The task of gathering facts, itineraries, rooming lists, conference materials and papers, money, ordering gifts and conference bags, making name badges, transport, exhibitions, entertainment, décor, buying and installing the latest on-line registration programmes for our computers for efficient and professional management of the event … the tasks are endless, can be tedious and can take a year or longer to conclude, depending on the size and content of the event. Banqueting Coordinators in hotels and conference centres do not have time or experience in attending to all the requirements that are called for. That is not their job. They are experts at carrying out instructions from the client, they are highly qualified to make the event happen, either via the PCO or direct, depending on whether a PCO is involved or not. The hotel management can only do what they are asked to do. This begs a question … why is it that there are still many venues out there who do not appreciate what the PCO does, who believe that the PCO is overpaid and frequently try to beat them down in commission and it does happen! Seriously it happens! Any PCO will vouch for that or we are made to feel that they, the venue are doing us a favour by offering some sort of reward other than hard cash!

One day, we hope in the not too distant future, all hotels and conference centres will appreciate the value of a PCO to them from marketing and selling their specific venue to their client, to carrying out the numerous duties expected of them by the client AND the venue and that they will gladly pay what is essentially a pittance comparatively speaking if we take the entire event into consideration. Why is there often so much reluctance to acknowledge a PCO’s worth? My old Ops Manager, being a marketing minded man could see their value a long time ago and he changed my impressions and my stuck ideas of what a PCO truly represents!

For a free no obligation on a conference venue in South Africa please contact us on 082 055 0102 or complete the form below.

On the magnificent Dolphin Coast, overlooking the Indian Ocean is the superb and luxurious ZIMBALI RESORT only minutes from the CBD of Ballito, the popular, modern, rapidly growing, village of yester-year, well-known to all who have travelled this coastline. Only half an hour’s drive from Durban and with everything on-tap. Wrapped in the exquisite natural beauty of this are is this premier destination, a tranquil retreat offering style, class and unrivalled service.

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Conferences, seminars, meetings

Zimbali Lodge specializes in personalized conference arrangements for small to large groups. This Conference Centre is practically appointed, purposefully designed and ideally situated for superb views of the Zimbali Estate and Country Club Golf Course. The 280 square metre ballroom can accommodate, in banqueting style seating, up to 300 guests. This venue may be used for multiple functions, requiring space … unlimited in what it offers. In addition “Zimbali” also offers a state-of-the-art business centre, complete with workstations.

Other Conference Venues at Zimbali

Imbiso Room

The imposing Imbiso Room, overlooking the golf course and the Nature reserve, is the focal point of the conference facilities. It can accommodate up to 80 delegates in cinema-style seating, 40 delegates in u-shape, 35 in boardroom style or 60 in a schoolroom configuration.

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Tugela Room

An executive boardroom with an ocean view. The oval mahogany boardroom table dominates the room and this is the perfect venue for management meetings or Bosberaad and can accommodate 10 people.

Umgeni Room

The Umgeni Room is also a small, intimate venue in the main conference centre and can accommodate a maximum of 25 delegates in cinema style seating, 15 delegates in u-shape, 12 boardroom style or 15 in school-room configuration.

Catering for Conferences at Zimbali

The Lodge has capitalized on the glorious KwaZulu Natal climate to offer outdoor catering to conference groups on the Ngwenya Terrace, which is easily accessible from all the conference rooms. Guests may also opt for a formal dining experience in the Restaurant or hold a private gala event at the Country Club which caters for 76 inside the restaurant for dinner and if the venue is extended out onto the verandah 96 or 120 Guests at a cocktail event or launch. 9 food and beverage experiences, and an Internationally acclaimed Willow Stream Spa and fitness centre are also available at the resort.

Conference Equipment

A wide range of audio-visual aids and state-of-the-art equipment is available to conference delegates in the three conference rooms: Zimbali, operating to International standards is the ideal venue for global events, away from the noise and stress of the city, conveniently close to King Shaka International Airport and where delegates are guaranteed peace, security and result achieving conference days and some time for fun in the sun, soaking in the blue of the ocean on this coastline, watching dolphins leap in play.

Accommodation Rooms

These comprise 154 tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites, including a Penthouse and Presidential suites… this is sheer luxury. Local entertainment includes: • Safari outings • Dolphin- and whale-watching tours • Hiking and mountain biking • Historic Zulu battlefields • Exhilarating golf, including the Zimbali Country Club’s Tom Weiskopf–designed 18-hole championship course • Soccer, rugby, cricket and polo Shuttle service may be arranged with the hotel to and from the airport, and being located in this ideal area, this is the perfect venue for up-country delegates, international delegates and for Durbanites. Zimbali also offers unobtrusive yet excellent security.

Brought to you in the interest of efficient and professional event management by VENUE PAGES (www.venuepages.co.za). Contact us for rates and availability on 082 055 0102 / 0861 262 262 or e-mail rosalie@venuepages.co.za, or complete the contact us form below

THE VENUE PAGES is proud to be associated with LE MANOIR DE BRENDEL, a conference venue in Franschhoek in the Western Cape, who are the sponsors of our current competition. Read this article and enter the competition further down to stand a chance of winning a two night stay, for two adults at this magnificent, luxurious 5-star venue including bed and breakfast. All you need to do is answer a simple question, leave your answer in the comments section, right at the bottom of the page, hit submit and you’re in!! Remember to hit the Facebook Like button or the Twitter Tweet button too. On 28 August we will draw one lucky winner and will advise the winner by e-mail and via our blog (http://blog.venuepages.co.za)

Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown, top chefs create international cuisine and heart warming hospitality make a lasting impression. This is where you will find Le Manoir de Brendel Guest Farm, Wine Estate & Wedding Venue.
LE MANOIR DE BRENDEL GUESTHOUSE & WINE ESTATE, set on 30 hectares of vineyards overlooking the mountains, is a peaceful paradise, where meditative moments are waiting to be had. Our guests have the choice of nine luxurious suites with exclusive ambience. The atmosphere varies from room to room. Children are welcome.

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Breakfast is served in our beautiful breakfast room overlooking the vineyards and Klein Drakenstein Mountains. Breakfast may also be enjoyed on our patio, should the weather permit.

Drinks and Beverages: We serve Le Manoir de Brendel Estate wine as well as cocktails in our Lounge Leather Bar. There is an honesty bar in each room, which is stocked with a variety of soft drinks, beer and mineral water as well as De Brendel Wines.

Vinotheque / Shop: Our retail boutique offers exclusive international and local products as well as all our Award winning wines and wine related giftware.

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Wine Tasting: Our wine tasting is an enjoyable lecture facilitated by our specially trained staff. With our wine tasting sessions guests get to know the basics of a professional ‘how to discern between different smells (noses) and tastes”. We use our library of scents to encourage guests to identify the different aromas of wine. We furnish our Guests with information material to take home and to be used in future wine tasting.

The Tennis court: Bring your racket along (or ask at our office) and enjoy a game of tennis on our court overlooking the vineyards. Both young and old enjoy playing a game of chess on our Giant Garden Chessboard.
Take a walk through the vineyards on the 1.2km walking trail built along the Franschhoek River.
Concierge Bookings for transfers and restaurant or any activity booked by our management staff.
Quality Restaurants around Le Manoir de Brendel offer our guests a free shuttle service to and from their establishments. We will gladly do the bookings on the request.

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Salon & Gym: Our gym is available to our guests at all times while staying with us. Enjoy a workout overlooking the peaceful farm surrounding of vineyards and majestic mountain range. It is advised to pre-book salon treatments: Facials / Pedicures & Manicures / Massages or just a lovely warm soak in the Spa Bath.

Say goodbye to the grey moods of winter and celebrate the start of spring by heading off to the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley over the weekend of the 7th and 8th of September for the annual Franschhoek Uncorked Festival.

COMPETITION CORNER

Question : How many luxurious suites does le Manoir de Brendel offer?
Answers to reach us by 27 August 2013. Good luck!
Click on this link to see what is happening in and around Franschhoek http://www.franschhoek.co.za/events.html

Brought to you in the interest of luxury, stylish hospitality by The Venue Pages www.venuepages.co.za

THE VENUE PAGES, together with Gooderson Leisure Resorts’ fabulous FABZ ESTATE, a conference venue in Fourways, Johannesburg, is running a competition this week for a lucky reader of our Blog to win a weekend for two on a bed and breakfast basis. To stand a chance of winning a relaxing two days out of the hubbub, just read about fabulous FABZ and enter our competition further down! Remember to leave your answer in the comments section below and to hit the Facebook Like button and / or the other social media buttons below.

Location, Location …
Set amidst striking country surrounds in the heart of Lonehill, Fourways, the Fabz Estate Hotel and Conference Centre is the ideal getaway for those wanting to break away from the rush and stress of city life and head for the country without having to venture too far.

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More laid back guests can relax on the newly developed 120-seater covered patio area alongside the lake, drink in the spectacular river frontage, wander through the scenic English gardens, enjoy bird watching and fishing or play a round of golf. The more adventurous among you can embark on 4 x 4 trails, go horse riding or spend a night out at Montecasino which is just 4km away.

Perfectly located, guests will enjoy the peaceful country ambience, with the best of both worlds as Fabz is close to major highways, shopping malls, amenities and entertainment venues. Although great city fare is close at hand, guests can sit back and savour the very best of local dining on site. Overlooking a beautiful stretch of water with picturesque views, the a la carte restaurant is known for good contemporary Italian cuisine and a number of signature dishes.

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By combining a stylish, more formal food experience with the contemporary country cooking which hotel quests have come to expect, the restaurant produces unpretentious cuisine that is hard to forget.

Conference Venues Gauteng

When looking for conference venues in South Africa, many groups consider Johannesburg. The city has become a magnet for local and international conferences and is, in fact, the only African city to have featured in the top 20 destinations for conferences, seminars and congresses.

The Fabz Estate Hotel has a lot to offer when it comes to both conferences and special functions. Just completed is the new Illala Conference Centre which accommodates up to 180 delegates, while the Cellar provides for a more intimate atmosphere for the smaller groups. There are however a number of ideal venues on the Estate from which one can choose; all well ventilated, north facing, sun-filled rooms with balconies overlooking the beautiful gardens and the lake.

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This ideal retreat is also the perfect venue for weddings, family events such as birthdays and anniversaries and other private functions. Fabz management and staff pride themselves on co-coordinating intimate country-style weddings, each one personalised to create a unique, magical experience for the couple and their guests, while ensuring that no effort is spared in coordinating a day the bridal couple will always remember.

Accommodation Fourways

31 stylish rooms, which is a mix of singles, doubles and family rooms offer comfortable accommodation at Fabz Estate Hotel for a medium-sized conference
group or leisure guests who wish to get away for a weekend without trekking far from the heart of Johannesburg.

COMPETITION TIME! To enter this competition, simply answer the simple question below and leave your answer in the comments section below. The lucky draw will take place on 18 February, when the winner will be announced on our Blog and personally, by e-mail together with the voucher. Remember to hit the Facebook Like Button and / or the other social media buttons.

How many delegates can be seated in conference at FABZ ESTATE HOTEL? Answers are to reach us by the morning of 18 February. Good Luck!!

Start planning your next conference now to ensure availability at special New Year rates.
Contact us at www.venuepages.co.za for rates and more information.